India’s Soybean Imports Hit Record 1.1 Million Tonnes in 2025–26

The imports of soybeans into India reached an all-time high of 1.1 million metric tons during the 2025-26 marketing season, up from about 2,000 metric tons in the prior season, based on figures from the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) reported by Reuters. Soymilk manufacturers in India were spurred by higher domestic prices for soybeans to buy more from foreign markets. Niger became the biggest supplier, with traders estimating shipments of over 430,000 metric tons.

What Caused the Rise in Soybean Imports in India?

The price increase of soybean prices in India was the most significant factor in increasing soybean imports in India. The increase in the local soybean price has made processing units look for imports of soybeans as long as these imports are competitive in terms of price after including transportation charges and tariffs.

According to the data available, imports were just about 2000 tons in the last marketing year, but are expected to rise to 1.1 million ton in 2025-2026. Such a rise in imports indicates a major change in the sourcing pattern of the Indian soybean processing industry.

• The increase can be attributed to three main factors, Increase in domestic prices: The increase in domestic prices had prompted processors to search for suppliers from outside of India
• Permitted imports: India permits the imports of only non-GM soybeans as per the regulations mentioned in the report.
• Fewer countries supplying non-GM soybeans: The supply of non-GM soybeans is limited to a small number of countries like Niger, Benin, Togo and Nigeria.

Niger Becomes India’s Top Supplier of Soybeans

Niger emerged as the top exporter of soybeans to India in the year 2025–26 marketing season. Reports found that more than 430,000 tonnes of the soybeans were exported from the Niger in the year ending September 30, 2026.

However, the provenance of certain consignments came into question. Reuters reported that there was an investigation by Indian customs officials on the provenance of certain shipments reported to be from Niger as there were concerns about the actual origin being Nigeria due to certain import tariffs applicable.

Soymeal Exports of India Drop

Even though soybean imports increased greatly, there was a drop in India’s soymeal exports in the 2025-26 marketing season.

SOPA noted that there was a decrease of about half of exports to around 1 million tonnes in 2025-26.

Soymeal, otherwise known as soybean meal, is obtained after processing soybeans to obtain oil. It is a source of protein content used in animal feed.

Static Facts Relating to Soybean

1. Soybean As An Agriculture Crops

Soybean (Glycine max) is an oilseed leguminous crop which is cultivated for its oil and high-protein meal which makes it an important crop for edible oil and also for animal feed.

Soybean is mainly grown as a kharif crop in India and is planted with the arrival of monsoons.

2. Key Uses Of Soybean

• Soybean oil
• Soymeal
• Food products
• Industrial uses

3. Role Of Soybean In India’s Edible Oil Economy

India’s edible oil economy is based upon domestic oilseeds production and also the imports of vegetable oils. Soybean is one of the important oilseed crops in India along with rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, sunflower, and sesame.

4. What Is SOPA?

Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) is an association which represents the interests of soybean processors and traders.